Lakshmi
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Lakshmi (Template:IPAc-en;<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref><ref group="nb" name="pron">This pronunciation has a closer approximation of the Hindustani pronunciation. Pronounced Template:IPAc-en,<ref>Template:OED</ref> Template:IPAc-en</ref> Template:Langx, Template:IAST3, sometimes spelled Laxmi, Template:Lit), also known as Shri (Template:Langx, Template:IAST3, Template:Lit),<ref name="Hb">Template:Cite book</ref> is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism, revered as the goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity, beauty, fertility, sovereignty, and abundance.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> She along with Parvati and Sarasvati, form the trinity of goddesses called the Tridevi.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Lakshmi has been a central figure in Hindu tradition since pre-Buddhist times (1500 to 500 BCE) and remains one of the most widely worshipped goddesses in the Hindu pantheon. Although she does not appear in the earliest Vedic literature, the personification of the term shri—auspiciousness, glory, and high rank, often associated with kingship—eventually led to the development of Sri-Lakshmi as a goddess in later Vedic texts, particularly the Shri Suktam.<ref name=":2" /> Her importance grew significantly during the late epic period (around 400 CE), when she became particularly associated with the preserver god Vishnu as his consort. In this role, Lakshmi is seen as the ideal Hindu wife, exemplifying loyalty and devotion to her husband.<ref name=":2" /> Whenever Vishnu descended on the earth as an avatar, Lakshmi accompanied him as consort, for example, as Sita and Radha or Rukmini as consorts of Vishnu's avatars Rama and Krishna, respectively.<ref name="Hb" /><ref name="williams" /><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Lakshmi holds a prominent place in the Vishnu-centric sect of Vaishnavism, where she is not only regarded as the consort of Vishnu, the Supreme Being, but also as his divine energy (shakti).<ref name=":2" /> she is also the Supreme Goddess in the sect and assists Vishnu to create, protect, and transform the universe.<ref name="anandrao167" /><ref name="williams" /><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Sfn She is an especially prominent figure in Sri Vaishnavism tradition, in which devotion to Lakshmi is deemed to be crucial to reach Vishnu.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Within the goddess-oriented Shaktism, Lakshmi is venerated as the prosperity aspect of the Supreme goddess.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="williams">Template:Cite book</ref> The eight prominent manifestations of Lakshmi, the Ashtalakshmi, symbolise the eight sources of wealth.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Lakshmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed, prosperity-showering golden-coloured woman standing or sitting in the padmasana position upon a lotus throne, while holding a lotus in her hand, symbolising fortune, self-knowledge, and spiritual liberation.<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p385">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Her iconography shows her with four hands, which represent the four aspects of human life important to Hindu culture: dharma, kama, artha, and moksha.<ref>Rhodes, Constantina. 2011. Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony. State University of New York Press, Template:ISBN. pp. 29–47, 220–52.</ref><ref name="ttgov">"Divali – THE SYMBOLISM OF LAKSHMI." Trinidad and Tobago: National Library and Information System Authority. 2009. Archived from the original on 8 November 2014.</ref> She is often accompanied by two elephants, as seen in the Gaja-Lakshmi images, symbolising both fertility and royal authority. The Gupta period sculpture and coins only associate lions with Lakshmi, often flanking her on either side.
Archaeological discoveries and ancient coinage suggest a recognition and reverence for Lakshmi by the first millennium BCE.<ref name="usingh" /><ref name="ashav" /> Iconography and statues of Lakshmi have also been found in Hindu temples throughout Southeast Asia, estimated to be from the second half of the first millennium CE.<ref>Roveda, Vitorio. 2004. "The Archaeology of Khmer Images." Aséanie 13(13):11–46.</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The day of Lakshmi Puja during Navaratri, and the festivals of Deepavali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour.<ref name="joneskoja">Template:Cite book</ref>
Etymology and epithetsEdit
Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from the root word lakṣ ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) and lakṣa ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}), meaning 'to perceive, observe, know, understand' and 'goal, aim, objective', respectively.<ref>"lakṣ, लक्ष्." Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary. Germany: University of Koeln. Template:Webarchive</ref> These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism: know and understand your goal.<ref name="carol">Plum-Ucci, Carol. Celebrate Diwali. Template:ISBN. pp. 79–86.</ref> A related term is lakṣaṇa, which means 'sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity'.<ref>"lakṣaṇa." Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary. Germany: University of Koeln. Template:Webarchive.</ref>
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Lakshmi has numerous epithets and numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite her various names:<ref name="Rhodes">Rhodes, Constantina. 2011. Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony. State University of New York Press, Template:ISBN.</ref><ref name=vkumara>Vijaya Kumara, 108 Names of Lakshmi, Sterling Publishers, Template:ISBN</ref> such as Sri (Radiance, eminence, splendor, wealth), Padmā (she who is mounted upon or dwelling in a lotus or She of the lotus), Kamalā or Kamalatmika (She of the lotus), Padmapriyā (Lotus-lover), Padmamālādhāra Devī (Goddess bearing a garland of lotuses), Padmamukhī (Lotus-faced-she whose face is as like as a lotus), Padmākṣī: (Lotus-eyed - she whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus), Padmahasta: (Lotus-hand - she whose hand is holding [a] lotus[es]), Padmasundarī (She who is as beautiful as a lotus), Padmavati (She who was born from a lotus), Śrījā (Jatika of Sri), Narayani (belonging to Narayana or the wife of Narayana), Vaishnavi (worshipper of Vishnu or the power of Vishnu), Viṣṇupriyā (who is the beloved of Vishnu), Nandika (the one who gives pleasure). Shaktas also consider Lalita, who is praised with 1,000 names in the Lalita Sahasranama, as Lakshmi.Template:Sfn
Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana praises Lakshmi as Mahadevi (she who is the great goddess), Mahamaya (she who is a great illusion), Karaveera Nivasini (The Goddess Who lives in Karaveera/Kolhapur) and Maha Astha Dasa Pithagne (she who has 18 great Shakta pithas). She is also praised as Mahalakshmi (she who is great Lakshmi), Mahakali (she who is great Kali), and Mahasaraswati (she who is great Saraswati) who are the primary deities in Devi Mahatmya. The other prominent names included in this text are, Bhuvaneshvari (she who is the Queen or ruler of the Universe), Katyayani (she who is the daughter of sage Katyayana), Kaushiki (Shakti that came out of the sheath (or Kosha) of Parvati), Brahmani (She who is the power of Brahma), Kamakshi (she who fulfils desires by her eyes), Chandi (she who killed Mahishasura), Chamunda (She who killed Chanda and Munda), Madhu Kaidabha Bhanjini (she who killed Madhu and Kaidabha), Durga (she who killed Durgamasura), Maheshvari (she who is the power of Maheshvara), Varahi (she who is the power of Varaha, a form of Vishnu), Narasimhi (she who is the power of Narasimha, a form of Vishnu), Srividyaa (she who is Sri Vidya), Sri Manthra Raja Rajini (the queen of Sri Vidya), Shadadharadhi devata (she who is the goddess of the six chakras).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Dutch author Dirk van der Plas says, "In Lakshmi Tantra, a text of Visnuite signature, the name Mahamaya is connected with third or destructive of Goddess' three partial functions, while in supreme form she is identified with Lakshmi".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Her other names include:<ref name="Rhodes" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Aishwarya, Akhila, Anagha, Anapagamini, Anumati, Apara, Aruna, Atibha, Avashya, Bala, Bhargavi, Bhudevi, Chakrika, Chanchala, Chandravadana, Chandrasahodari, Chandraroopa, Devi, Deepta, Dhruti, Haripriya, Harini, Harivallabha, Hemamalini, Hiranyavarna, Indira, Jalaja, Jambhavati, Janaki, Janamodini, Jyoti, Jyotsna, Kalyani, Kamalika, Ketaki, Kriyalakshmi, Kshirsha, Kuhu, Lalima, Madhavi, Madhu, Malti, Manushri, Nandika, Nandini, Nikhila, Nila Devi, Nimeshika, Padmavati, Parama, Prachi, Purnima, Radha, Ramaa, Rukmini, Samruddhi, Samudra Tanaya, Satyabhama, Shraddha, Shreeya, Sita, Smriti, Sridevi, Sudha, Sujata, Swarna Kamala, Taruni, Tilottama, Tulasi, Vasuda, Vasudhara, Vasundhara, Varada, Varalakshmi, Vedavati, Vidya, Vimala, and Viroopa.
Iconography and symbolismEdit
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Lakshmi is a member of the Tridevi, the triad of great goddesses. She represents the Rajas guna, and the Iccha-shakti.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The image, icons, and sculptures of Lakshmi are represented with symbolism. Her name is derived from Sanskrit root words for knowing the goal and understanding the objective.<ref name=carol/> Her four arms are symbolic of the four goals of humanity that are considered good in Hinduism: dharma (pursuit of ethical, moral life), artha (pursuit of wealth, means of life), kama (pursuit of love, emotional fulfillment), and moksha (pursuit of self-knowledge, liberation).<ref name=ttgov/><ref name="apara">Parasarthy, A. 1983. Symbolism in Hinduism. Chinmaya Mission Publication. Template:ISBN. pp. 57–59.</ref>
In Lakshmi's iconography, she is either sitting or standing on a lotus and typically carrying a lotus in one or two hands. The lotus carries symbolic meanings in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. It symbolizes knowledge, self-realization, and liberation in the Vedic context, and represents reality, consciousness, and karma ('work, deed') in the Tantra (Sahasrara) context.<ref name="Parthasarathy">Parasarthy, A. 1983. Symbolism in Hinduism. Chinmaya Mission Publication. Template:ISBN. pp. 91–92, 160–62.</ref> The lotus, a flower that blooms in clean or dirty water, also symbolises purity regardless of the good or bad circumstances in which it grows. It is a reminder that good and prosperity can bloom and not be affected by evil in one's surroundings.<ref>Nathan, R. S. 1983. Symbolism in Hinduism. Chinmaya Mission Publication. Template:ISBN. p. 16.</ref><ref>Gibson, Lynne. 2002. Hinduism. Heinemann. Template:ISBN. p. 29.</ref>
Below, behind, or on the sides, Lakshmi is very often shown with one or two elephants, known as Gajalakshmi, and occasionally with an owl.<ref name="amazzona104">Template:Cite book</ref> Elephants symbolise work, activity, and strength, as well as water, rain, and fertility for abundant prosperity.<ref>Werness, Hope. 2007. Continuum Encyclopedia of Animal Symbolism in World Art. Bloomsbury. Template:ISBN. pp. 159–67.</ref> The owl signifies the patient striving to observe, see, and discover knowledge, particularly when surrounded by darkness. As a bird reputedly blinded by daylight, the owl also serves as a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth have been acquired.<ref>Ajnatanama. 1983. Symbolism in Hinduism. Chinmaya Mission Publication. Template:ISBN. pp. 317–18.</ref>
According to historian D. D. Kosambi, most of the Imperial Gupta kings were Vaishnavas and held the goddess Lakshmi in the highest esteem.<ref name="Damodar Dharmanand Kosambi 1977 97">Template:Cite book</ref> Goddess Lakshmi is Simhavahini (mount as lion) on most of the coins during their rule.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Coins during the rule of Prakashadiya, a Gupta ruler, contain the Garudadhvaja on the obverse and Lakshmi on the reverse.<ref name="Damodar Dharmanand Kosambi 1977 97"/>
The Gupta period sculpture only used to associate lions with Lakshmi, but was later attributed to Durga or a combined form of both goddesses.Template:Sfn<ref name="Journal, Volumes 6-7">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Lions were a 'vahana' of Lakshmi,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Lions are also associated with Veera Lakshmi, who is one of the Ashtalakshmi.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Historian B. C. Bhattacharya says, "An image of Gajalakshmi is found with two lions — one on either side of her. Two elephants are also shown near her head and by this we can say that Lion is also the vahana of Lakshmi along with Garuda".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
In some representations, wealth either symbolically pours out from one of her hands or she simply holds a jar of money. This symbolism has a dual meaning: wealth manifested through Lakshmi means both materials as well as spiritual wealth.<ref name="Parthasarathy" /> Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signifies compassion, giving or dāna ('charity').<ref name="apara" />
Lakshmi typically wears a red dress embroidered with golden threads, which symbolizes fortune and wealth. She, goddess of wealth and prosperity, is often represented with her husband Vishnu, the god who maintains human life filled with justice and peace. This symbolism implies wealth and prosperity are coupled with the maintenance of life, justice, and peace.<ref name="Parthasarathy" /> When Lakshmi and Vishnu appear together in images and statues, she is significantly smaller, which is often used to portray her devotional status as a wife. A frequently depicted scene of the pair illustrates Lakshmi massaging Vishnu's feet.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Alternatively, Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana, Lakshmi Tantra, and Markandeya Purana describe Lakshmi as having eighteen hands and is described as holding rosary, axe, mace, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, pitcher, rod, sakti, sword, shield, conch, bell, wine-cup, trident, noose, and the discus in her eighteen hands, and as sitting on Garuda, a lion, or a tiger.<ref name="D. R. Rajeswari 1989 19">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Saligrama Krishna Ramachandra Rao 1991 65">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="H. C. Das 1985 337">Template:Cite book</ref> According to the Lakshmi Tantra, the goddess Lakshmi, in her ultimate form of Mahasri, has four arms of a golden complexion, and holds a citron, a club, a shield, and a vessel containing amrita.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the Skanda Purana and the Venkatachala Mahatmayam, Sri, or Lakshmi, is praised as the mother of Brahma.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
In Japan, where Lakshmi is known as Kisshōten, she is commonly depicted with the Nyoihōju gem (如意宝珠) in her hand.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
LiteratureEdit
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Vedas and BrahmanasEdit
The meaning and significance of Lakshmi evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts.<ref name="jmuir">Muir, John, ed. 1870. "Lakshmi and Shri." Pp. 348–49 in Template:Google books, volume 5. London: Trubner & Co.</ref> Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rigveda, in which the name is used to mean 'kindred mark, sign of auspicious fortune'. Template:Verse translation
In Atharva Veda, transcribed about 1000 BCE, Lakshmi evolves into a complex concept with plural manifestations. Book 7, Chapter 115 of Atharva Veda describes the plurality, asserting that a hundred Lakshmis are born with the body of a mortal at birth, some good, Punya ('virtuous') and auspicious, while others bad, paapi ('evil') and unfortunate. The good are welcomed, while the bad are urged to leave.<ref name="jmuir" /> The concept and spirit of Lakshmi and her association with fortune and the good is significant enough that Atharva Veda mentions it in multiple books: for example, in Book 12, Chapter 5 as Punya Lakshmi.<ref>"{{#invoke:Lang|lang}}"; अथर्ववेद: काण्डं 12 Template:Webarchive Atharva Veda Sanskrit Original Archive</ref> In some chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune, prosperity, success, and happiness.<ref name="mmwlak" />
Later, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune, identified with Sri and regarded as the wife of Template:IAST (Template:IAST).<ref name="mmwlak" /> For example, in Shatapatha Brahmana, variously estimated to be composed between 800 BCE and 300 BCE, Sri (Lakshmi) is part of one of many theories, in ancient India, about the creation of the universe. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Sri emerges from Prajapati, after his intense meditation on the creation of life and nature of the universe. Sri is described as a resplendent and trembling woman at her birth with immense energy and powers.<ref name="jmuir" /> The gods are bewitched, desire her, and immediately become covetous of her. The gods approach Prajapati and request permission to kill her and then take her powers, talents, and gifts. Prajapati refuses, tells the gods that men should not kill women and that they can seek her gifts without violence.<ref>Naama Drury (2010), The Sacrificial Ritual in the Satapatha Brahmana, Template:ISBN, pages 61–102</ref> The gods then approach Lakshmi. Agni gets food, Soma gets kingly authority, Varuna gets imperial authority, Mitra acquires martial energy, Indra gets force, Brihaspati gets priestly authority, Savitri acquires dominion, Pushan gets splendour, Saraswati takes nourishment and Tvashtri gets forms.<ref name="jmuir" /> The hymns of Shatapatha Brahmana thus describe Sri as a goddess born with and personifying a diverse range of talents and powers.
According to another legend, she emerges during the creation of universe, floating over the water on the expanded petals of a lotus flower; she is also variously regarded as wife of Dharma, mother of Kāma, sister or mother of Template:IAST and Template:IAST, wife of Dattatreya, one of the nine Shaktis of Template:IAST, a manifestation of Template:IAST as identified with Template:IAST in Bharatasrama and as Sita, wife of Rama.<ref name="mmwlak" /><ref name=":0">Williams, Monier. Religious Thought and Life in India, Part 1 (2nd ed.). Template:Webarchive.</ref>Template:Rp
EpicsEdit
In the Epics of Hinduism, such as in Mahabharata, Lakshmi personifies wealth, riches, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm, and splendor.<ref name="mmwlak" /> In another Hindu legend about the creation of the universe as described in Ramayana,<ref>Ramayana, i.45.40–43</ref> Lakshmi springs with other precious things from the foam of the ocean of milk when it is churned by the gods and demons for the recovery of Template:IAST. She appeared with a lotus in her hand and so she is also called Padmā.<ref name="mmwlak" /><ref name=":0" />Template:Rp Some scholars propose a theory that Sri and Lakshmi may have originally been different goddesses, who merged into one figure.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Sita, the female protagonist of the Ramayana and her husband, the god-king Rama are considered as avatars of Lakshmi and Vishnu, respectively.
In the Mahabharata, Draupadi is described as an incarnation of Sri (Lakshmi).<ref name = "Draupadi as Goddess Sri">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A later interpolation attempts to reinterpret Draupadi as Shachi, associating Lakshmi instead with Rukmini, the consort of Krishna, who is an incarnation of Vishnu. However, scholars affirm that the original tradition identifies Sri with Draupadi, as evidenced in the Critical Edition.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
UpanishadsEdit
Shakta Upanishads are dedicated to the Tridevi of goddesses—Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati. Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishad describes the qualities, characteristics, and powers of Lakshmi.<ref name="mahadeva">Mahadeva, A. 1950. "Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad." In The Shakta Upanishads with the Commentary of Sri Upanishad Brahma Yogin, Adyar Library Series 10. Madras.</ref> In the second part of the Upanishad, the emphasis shifts to the use of yoga and transcendence from material craving to achieve spiritual knowledge and self-realization, the true wealth.<ref>Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad (Original text, in Sanskrit). Template:Webarchive.</ref><ref>Warrier, A. G. Krishna, trans. 1931. Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad. Chennai: Theosophical Publishing House. Template:ISBN.</ref> Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.<ref name="mahadeva"/>
Stotram and sutrasEdit
Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi.<ref name="Rhodes" /> She is a major goddess in Puranas and Itihasa of Hinduism. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. For example:<ref name="Rhodes" /> Template:Vaishnavism
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Every woman is an embodiment of you.
You exist as little girls in their childhood,
As young women in their youth
And as elderly women in their old age.{{#if:Sri Kamala Stotram|{{#if:|}}— {{#if:|, in }}Template:Comma separated entries}}
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Every woman is an emanation of you.{{#if:Sri Daivakrta Laksmi Stotram|{{#if:|}}
— {{#if:|, in }}Template:Comma separated entries}}
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Ancient prayers dedicated to Lakshmi seek both material and spiritual wealth in prayers.<ref name="Rhodes" />
PuranasEdit
Lakshmi features prominently in Puranas of Hinduism. Vishnu Purana, in particular, dedicates many sections to her and also refers to her as Sri.<ref name= buitenen/> J. A. B. van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana:<ref name= buitenen/>
Sri, loyal to Vishnu, is the mother of the world. Vishnu is the meaning, Sri is the speech. She is the conduct, he the behavior. Vishnu is knowledge, she the insight. He is dharma, she the virtuous action. She is the earth, the earth's upholder. She is contentment, he the satisfaction. She wishes, he is the desire. Sri is the sky, Vishnu the Self of everything. He is the Sun, she the light of the Sun. He is the ocean, she is the shore.
Subhasita, genomic and didactic literatureEdit
Lakshmi, along with Parvati and Saraswati, is a subject of extensive Subhashita, genomic and didactic literature of India.<ref name="ls">Sternbach, Ludwik. 1974. Subhasita, Gnomic and Didactic Literature, A History of Indian Literature 4. Otto Harrassowitz Verlag. Template:ISBN.</ref> Composed in the 1st millennium BCE through the 16th century CE, they are short poems, proverbs, couplets, or aphorisms in Sanskrit written in a precise meter. They sometimes take the form of a dialogue between Lakshmi and Vishnu or highlight the spiritual message in Vedas and ethical maxims from Hindu Epics through Lakshmi.<ref name=ls/> An example Subhashita is Puranartha Samgraha, compiled by Vekataraya in South India, where Lakshmi and Vishnu discuss niti ('right, moral conduct') and rajaniti ('statesmanship' or 'right governance')—covering in 30 chapters and ethical and moral questions about personal, social and political life.<ref name="ls" />Template:Rp
Manifestations and aspectsEdit
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Inside temples, Lakshmi is often shown together with Vishnu. In certain parts of India, Lakshmi plays a special role as the mediator between her husband Vishnu and his worldly devotees. When asking Vishnu for grace or forgiveness, the devotees often approach him through the intermediary presence of Lakshmi.Template:Sfn She is also the personification of spiritual fulfillment. Lakshmi embodies the spiritual world, also known as Vaikuntha, the abode of Lakshmi and Vishnu (collectively called Lakshmi Narayana). Lakshmi is the embodiment of the creative energy of Vishnu,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and primordial Prakriti who creates the universe.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
According to Garuda Purana, Lakshmi is considered as Prakriti (Mahalakshmi) and is identified with three forms Template:Mdash Sri, Bhu and Durga. The three forms consist of Satva ('goodness'),<ref name="mmwlak" /> rajas, and tamas ('darkness') gunas,Template:Sfn and assists Vishnu (Purusha) in creation, preservation and destruction of the entire universe. Durga's form represents the power to fight, conquer and punish the demons and anti-gods. Template:Saktism
In the Lakshmi Tantra and Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana, Lakshmi is given the status of the primordial goddess. According to these texts, Durga and the other forms, such as Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati and all the Shaktis that came out of all gods such as Matrikas and Mahavidya,Template:Sfn are all various forms of Goddess Lakshmi.Template:Sfn In Lakshmi Tantra, Lakshmi tells Indra that she got the name Durga after killing an asura named Durgama.Template:Sfn Indologists and authors Chitralekha Singh and Prem Nath says, "Narada Purana describes the powerful forms of Lakshmi as Durga, Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Chandi, Maheshwari, Mahalakshmi, Vaishnavi and Andreye".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Parvati are typically conceptualized as distinct in most of India, but in states such as West Bengal and Odisha, they are regionally believed to be forms of Durga.<ref>Fuller, Christopher John. 2004. The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. Template:ISBN. p. 41.</ref> In Hindu Bengali culture, Lakshmi, along with Saraswati, are seen as the daughters of Durga. They are worshipped during Durga Puja.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
In South India, Lakshmi is seen in two forms, Sridevi and Bhudevi, both at the sides of Venkateshwara, a form of Vishnu. Bhudevi is the representation and totality of the material world or energy, called the Apara Prakriti, or Mother Earth; Sridevi is the spiritual world or energy called the Prakriti.<ref name="anandrao167">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> According to Lakshmi Tantra, Nila Devi, one of the manifestations or incarnations of Lakshmi is the third wife of Vishnu.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Each goddess of the triad is mentioned in Śrī Sūkta, Bhu Sūkta and Nila Sūkta, respectively.<ref name="US438">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> This threefold goddess can be found, for example, in Sri Bhu Neela Sahita Temple near Dwaraka Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, and in Adinath Swami Temple in Tamil Nadu.<ref>Knapp, Stephen. Spiritual India Handbook. Template:ISBN. p. 392.</ref> In many parts of the region, Andal is considered as an incarnation of Lakshmi.<ref name=Rao>Template:Cite book</ref>
Ashta Lakshmi (Sanskrit: Template:Langx) is a group of eight secondary manifestations of Lakshmi. The Ashta Lakshmi presides over eight sources of wealth and thus represents the eight powers of Shri Lakshmi. Temples dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi are found in Tamil Nadu, such as Ashtalakshmi Kovil near Chennai and many other states of India.<ref>Dehejia, Vidya, and Thomas Coburn. Devi: the great goddess: female divinity in South Asian art. Smithsonian. Template:ISBN.</ref>
| Adi Lakshmi | The First manifestation of Lakshmi |
| Dhanya Lakshmi | Granary Wealth |
| Veera Lakshmi | Wealth of Courage |
| Gaja Lakshmi | Elephants spraying water, the wealth of fertility, rains, and food.<ref>Dallapiccola, Anna. 2007. Indian Art in Detail. Harvard University Press. Template:ISBN. pp. 11–27.</ref> |
| Santana Lakshmi | Wealth of Continuity, Progeny |
| Vidya Lakshmi | Wealth of Knowledge and Wisdom |
| Vijaya Lakshmi | Wealth of Victory |
| Dhana / Aishwarya Lakshmi | Wealth of prosperity and fortune |
Creation and legendsEdit
Devas (gods) and asuras (demons) were both mortal at one time in Hinduism. Amrita, the divine nectar that grants immortality, could only be obtained by churning Kshira Sagara ('Ocean of Milk'). The devas and asuras both sought immortality and decided to churn the Kshira Sagara with Mount Mandhara. The Samudra Manthana commenced with the devas on one side and the asuras on the other. Vishnu incarnated as Kurma, the tortoise, and a mountain was placed on the tortoise as a churning pole. Vasuki, the great venom-spewing serpent-god, was wrapped around the mountain and used to churn the ocean. A host of divine celestial objects came up during the churning. Along with them emerged the goddess Lakshmi. In some versions, she is said to be the daughter of the sea god since she emerged from the sea.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In Garuda Purana, Linga Purana and Padma Purana, Lakshmi is said to have been born as the daughter of the divine sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyati and was named Bhargavi. According to Vishnu Purana, the universe was created when the devas and asuras churned the cosmic Kshira Sagara. Lakshmi came out of the ocean, bearing a lotus, along with the divine cow Kamadhenu, Varuni, the Parijat tree, the Apsaras, Chandra (the moon), and Dhanvantari with Amrita ('nectar of immortality'). When she appeared, she had a choice to go to the Devas or the Asuras. She chose the Devas' side and among thirty deities, she chose to be with Vishnu. Thereafter, in all three worlds, the lotus-bearing goddess was celebrated.<ref name="buitenen">van Buitenen, J. A. B., trans. Classical Hinduism: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas, edited by Cornelia Dimmitt. Temple University Press. Template:ISBN. pp. 95–99</ref>
Worship and festivalsEdit
FestivalsEdit
Many Hindus worship Lakshmi on Deepavali (Diwali), the festival of lights.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> It is celebrated in autumn, typically October or November every year.<ref>"Diwali." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2009. Template:Webarchive</ref> The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair.<ref name="ReferenceA">Mead, Jean. How and why Do Hindus Celebrate Divali? Template:ISBN.</ref>
Before the night of Deepavali, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices.<ref name="Raat">Template:Cite book</ref> On the night of Deepavali, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfits, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, and participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi. After the Lakshmi Puja, fireworks follow,<ref name="Firecracker1">Template:Cite book</ref> then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Deepavali also marks a major shopping period, since Lakshmi connotes auspiciousness, wealth and prosperity.<ref name=wsj>India Journal: 'Tis the Season to be Shopping Devita Saraf, The Wall Street Journal (August 2010)</ref> This festival dedicated to Lakshmi is considered by Hindus to be one of the most important and joyous festivals of the year.
A very sacred day for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi falls on Chaitra Shukla Panchami, also called, Lakshmi Panchami, Shri Panchami, Kalpadi and Shri Vrata. As this worship is in the first week of the Hindu new year, by Hindu calendar, it is considered very auspicious.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Varalakshmi Vratam is celebrated by married Hindu women to pray for the well-being of their husbands.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima in many parts of India on the full-moon day in the month of Ashvin (October).<ref name=joneskoja/> Sharad Purnima, also called Kojaagari Purnima or Kuanr Purnima, is a harvest festival marking the end of monsoon season. There is a traditional celebration of the moon called the Kaumudi celebration, Kaumudi meaning moonlight.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests. Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrata is observed on Friday for prosperity.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
HymnsEdit
Numerous hymns, prayers, shlokas, stotra, songs, and legends dedicated to Lakshmi are recited during the ritual worship of the goddess.<ref name="Rhodes" /> These include:<ref>Lakshmi Stotra. Sanskrit documents. Template:Webarchive</ref>
- Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam (by Indra)
- Sri Lakshmi Sahasaranama Stotra (by Sanat Kumara)
- Sri Stuti (by Vedanta Desika)
- Lakshmi Stuti (by Indra)
- Kanakadhara Stotram (by Adi Shankara)
- Chatuh Shloki (by Yamunacharya)
- Sri Lakshmi Sloka (by Bhagavan Hari Swamiji)
- Sri Sukta, which is contained in the Vedas and includes the Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra (Om Sri Mahalakshmyai ca vidmahe Vishnu patnyai ca dhimahi tanno Lakshmi prachodayat, Om)
- Lakshmi Gayatri mantra mentioned in the Linga Purana (48.13) - (Samudratayai vidmahe Vishnunaikena dhimahi tanno Radha prachodayat)<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Ashtalakshmi Stotram (by U.V. Srinivasa Varadachariyar)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Major TemplesEdit
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Some temples dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi are:
- Agroha Dham
- Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai
- Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple
- Bhagyalakshmi Temple, Hyderabad
- Chottanikkara Temple, Kerala
- 108 Divya Desams
- Golden Temple, Sripuram
- Goravanahalli Mahalakshmi Temple<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Harshat Mata Temple
- Jarai-ka-Math
- Kaila Devi Temple, Rajasthan
- Lakshmi Devi Temple, Doddagaddavalli
- Lakshminarayana Temple, Hosaholalu
- Lakshmi Temple, Khajuraho
- Laxminarayan Temple, Delhi
- Mahalakshmi Kollapuradamma Temple, Ratnagiri<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Mahalakshmi Temple, Dahanu
- Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur
- Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai
- Mookambika Temple, Kollur
- Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple
- Padmakshi Temple
- Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Temple, Andhra Pradesh
- Sri Lakshmi Chandrala Parameshwari Temple, Karnataka
- Dadhimati Mata Temple
- Sri Lakshmi Temple, Ashland, Massachusetts
ArchaeologyEdit
A representation of the goddess as Gaja Lakshmi or Lakshmi flanked by two elephants spraying her with water, is one of the most frequently found in archaeological sites.<ref name=usingh/><ref name=ashav/> An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi (from Sonkh site at Mathura) dates to the pre-Kushan Empire era.<ref name="usingh">Singh, Upinder. 2009. A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century. Template:ISBN, Pearson Education. p. 438</ref> Atranjikhera site in modern Uttar Pradesh has yielded terracotta plaque with images of Lakshmi dating to the 2nd century BCE. Other archaeological sites with ancient Lakshmi terracotta figurines from the 3rd century BCE include Vaisali, Sravasti, Kausambi, Campa, and Candraketugadh.<ref name="ashav">Vishnu, Asha. 1993. Material life of northern India: Based on an archaeological study, 3rd century B.C. to 1st century BCE. Template:ISBN. pp. 194–95.</ref>
The goddess Lakshmi is frequently found in ancient coins of various Hindu kingdoms from Afghanistan to India. Gaja Lakshmi has been found on coins of Scytho-Parthian kings Azes II and Azilises; she also appears on Shunga Empire king Jyesthamitra era coins, both dating to 1st millennium BCE. Coins from 1st through 4th century CE found in various locations in India such as Ayodhya, Mathura, Ujjain, Sanchi, Bodh Gaya, Kanauj, all feature Lakshmi.<ref>Upinder Singh (2009), A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century, Template:ISBN, Pearson Education, pages 438, 480 for image</ref> Similarly, ancient Greco-Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from 1st-millennium BCE.<ref>Duffield Osborne (1914), A Graeco-Indian Engraved Gem Template:Webarchive, American Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 18, No. 1, pages 32–34</ref>
A 1400-year-old rare granite sculpture of Lakshmi has been recovered at the Waghama village along Jehlum in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Pompeii Lakshmi, a statuette supposedly thought to be of Lakshmi found in Pompeii, Italy, dates to before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Outside HinduismEdit
JainismEdit
Lakshmi is also an important deity in Jainism and found in Jain temples.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Some Jain temples also depict Sri Lakshmi as a goddess of artha ('wealth') and kama ('pleasure'). For example, she is exhibited with Vishnu in Parshvanatha Jain Temple at the Khajuraho Monuments of Madhya Pradesh,<ref name=vidya/> where she is shown pressed against Vishnu's chest, while Vishnu cups a breast in his palm. The presence of Vishnu-Lakshmi iconography in a Jain temple built near the Hindu temples of Khajuraho, suggests the sharing and acceptance of Lakshmi across a spectrum of Indian religions.<ref name="vidya">Dehejia, Vidya. 2009. The Body Adorned: Sacred and Profane in Indian Art. Columbia University Press. Template:ISBN. p. 151.</ref> This commonality is reflected in the praise of Lakshmi found in the Jain text Kalpa Sūtra.<ref>Jacobi, Hermann. The Golden Book of Jainism, edited by Max Muller, and Mahendra Kulasrestha. Template:ISBN. p. 213.</ref>
BuddhismEdit
In Buddhism, Lakshmi has been viewed as a goddess of abundance and fortune, and is represented on the oldest surviving stupas and cave temples of Buddhism.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, Vasudhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of the Hindu Goddess, with minor iconographic differences.<ref name="miranda">Shaw, Miranda. 2006. "Chapter 13." Pp. 258–62 in Buddhist Goddesses of India. Princeton University Press. Template:ISBN.</ref>
In Chinese Buddhism, Lakshmi is referred to as either Gōngdétiān (功德天, lit "Meritorious god" ) or Jíxiáng Tiānnǚ (吉祥天女, lit "Auspicious goddess") and is the goddess of fortune and prosperity. She is regarded as the sister of Píshāméntiān (毗沙門天), or Vaiśravaṇa, one of the Four Heavenly Kings. She is also regarded as one of the twenty-four protective deities, and her image is frequently enshrined in the Mahavira Hall of most Chinese Buddhist monasteries together with the other deities. Her mantra, the Sri Devi Dharani (Chinese: 大吉祥天女咒; pinyin: Dà Jíxiáng Tiānnǚ Zhòu) is classified as one of the Ten Small Mantras (Chinese: 十小咒; pinyin: Shí xiǎo zhòu), which are a collection of dharanis that are commonly recited in Chinese Buddhist temples during morning liturgical services.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Dharani is as follows:
Namo buddhāya, Namo dharmāya, Namah samghāya, Namah Śrī Mahādevīye, Tadyathā Om paripūraņa cāre samanta darśane. Mahā vihāra gate samanta vidhamane. Mahā kārya pratişţhāpane, sarvārtha sādhane, supratipūri ayatna dharmatā. Mahā vikurvite, mahā maitrī upasamhite, mahārşi susamgŗhīte samantārtha anupālane svāhā.
In Japanese Buddhism, Lakshmi is known as Kishijoten (Template:Langx) and is also the goddess of fortune and prosperity.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite book p. 102: "Kishijoten, a goddess of luck who corresponds to Lakshmi, the Indian goddess of fortune..."</ref> Like in China, Kishijoten is considered the sister of Bishamon (Template:Langx, also known as Tamon or Bishamon-ten), who protects human life, fights evil, and brings good fortune. In ancient and medieval Japan, Kishijoten was the goddess worshiped for luck and prosperity, particularly on behalf of children. Kishijoten was also the guardian goddess of Geishas.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Lakshmi is an important deity, especially in the Gelug School. She has both peaceful and wrathful forms; the latter form is known as Palden Lhamo, Shri Devi Dudsol Dokam, or Kamadhatvishvari, and is the principal female protector of (Gelug) Tibetan Buddhism and of Lhasa, Tibet.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
While Lakshmi and Vaiśravaṇa are found in ancient Chinese and Japanese Buddhist literature, their roots have been traced to deities in Hinduism.<ref name=":1" />
Lakshmi is closely linked to Dewi Sri, who is worshipped in Bali as the goddess of fertility and agriculture.
IncarnationsEdit
Throughout various texts and scriptures, Lakshmi incarnated as the following:
See alsoEdit
NotesEdit
ReferencesEdit
BibliographyEdit
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Further readingEdit
External linksEdit
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